Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A member of the public makes a verbal request to inspect a specific entry in a notary's journal from two years ago. How must the Pennsylvania notary respond to this request?

Inform the requester that journals are private and can only be viewed with a court order.
Allow the person to take the journal to a copy machine to make a personal copy.
Permit the individual to inspect the specific journal entry in the notary's presence. (Correct answer)
Deny the request because it was not submitted in writing.

Correct answer: Permit the individual to inspect the specific journal entry in the notary's presence.

Pennsylvania law requires a notary public to permit inspection of the journal to any person who makes a request, which can be oral or in writing. The inspection must take place in the presence of the notary public.

Question 2: Which of the following pieces of information is explicitly forbidden from being recorded in a Pennsylvania notary's journal?

The fee charged for the notarial act.
The signer's full Social Security number. (Correct answer)
A description of the document being notarized.
The last four digits of a driver's license number.

Correct answer: The signer's full Social Security number.

Pennsylvania regulations explicitly prohibit a notary's journal from containing personally identifiable financial or identification information, such as a complete Social Security number or a full driver's license number. Terminal numbers, like the last four digits, are permissible for identification purposes.

Question 3: Which of the following is generally an acceptable 'other' government-issued ID under RULONA if it is current and satisfactory to the notary?

A store loyalty card with a photo
A student ID from a private college
A Social Security card
A current U.S. military ID with photograph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A current U.S. military ID with photograph

Another government-issued ID that is current and contains a photograph or signature may be accepted if satisfactory to the notary.

Question 4: Handling electronic records requires the notary in Pennsylvania to be registered with the department:

Within 30 days of first use
Before receiving any electronic notarization requests (Correct answer)
After completing training
At the time of renewal

Correct answer: Before receiving any electronic notarization requests

To perform electronic notarizations, a Pennsylvania notary must be registered with the Department of State *before* receiving any electronic notarization requests. This ensures that the notary is properly authorized and equipped to handle electronic records and transactions securely and legally. It's a prerequisite for engaging in electronic notarial acts.

Question 5: A Pennsylvania-commissioned notary is physically located in Pittsburgh and is asked to perform a RON for a U.S. citizen who is temporarily in France. The document being notarized is a deed for property located in Ohio. Which of the following is the most significant factor for the PA notary to consider before proceeding?

The time zone difference between Pittsburgh and France.
The cost of the specific RON technology platform for international sessions.
Whether the act of signing the record is prohibited by French law. (Correct answer)
Whether Ohio recording offices will accept a Pennsylvania RON.

Correct answer: Whether the act of signing the record is prohibited by French law.

According to Pennsylvania law (57 Pa. C.S. § 306.1(b)(4)), when a remotely located individual is outside the United States, the notary must ensure the act of making the statement or signing the record is not prohibited by the foreign state where the individual is located. While other factors are practical considerations, this is a specific legal requirement for the validity of the notarization itself.

Question 6: Under what circumstance may a Pennsylvania notary properly refuse to notarize for a person with a visible disability?

If the signer requires the assistance of a family member to hold the pen.
If the signer's disability prevents them from signing their full name legibly.
If the notary is not satisfied that the signer is competent or has the capacity to execute the record. (Correct answer)
If the disability makes the notary feel uncomfortable.

Correct answer: If the notary is not satisfied that the signer is competent or has the capacity to execute the record.

A notary public may refuse to perform a notarial act if they are not satisfied that the individual executing the record is competent or has the capacity to execute it. However, a notary cannot refuse service simply because of the existence of a disability. The other options are incorrect because alternatives like signature by mark or an assisted signature are permitted.

Question 7: A client explains that his brother is physically incapacitated and cannot sign or even make a mark on a document. The client asks if he can sign his brother's name on his behalf, a process known as 'signature by proxy.' According to Pennsylvania notary law, how should you proceed?

Allow the proxy signature, provided there are two disinterested witnesses present.
Perform the notarization, as signature by proxy is permitted for any document in Pennsylvania.
Refuse to notarize, as Pennsylvania law does not provide general statutory guidelines for signature by proxy. (Correct answer)
Sign the incapacitated individual's name yourself at the direction of the client and then notarize the document.

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize, as Pennsylvania law does not provide general statutory guidelines for signature by proxy.

Pennsylvania notary law does not have specific statutes that authorize a 'signature by proxy' for general notarial acts. Notaries are advised not to perform such notarizations as it falls outside their defined authority. While certain specific documents, like a Power of Attorney, have provisions for another individual to sign at the principal's direction, this is not a general rule for all documents.

Question 8: How soon before submitting an application must the required notary education course be completed?

Within 1 year
Within 30 days
Within 6 months (Correct answer)
Within 2 years

Correct answer: Within 6 months

The 3-hour approved education course must be completed within the six months preceding the application.

Question 9: A client presents a document intended for use in a foreign country and insists that it requires an embossed seal for authenticity. The Pennsylvania notary knows their official rubber stamp is legally sufficient. Which of the following actions is appropriate?

Use only the embosser, as requested by the client for the foreign jurisdiction.
Apply the official rubber stamp and inform the client that using an embosser is illegal.
Refuse the notarization because the client is dictating the notarial procedure.
Apply the official rubber stamp and then use the embosser in addition to the stamp. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apply the official rubber stamp and then use the embosser in addition to the stamp.

In Pennsylvania, the official rubber stamp is mandatory for tangible notarizations. However, a notary is permitted to use an embosser as an additional, optional tool. For documents going to foreign jurisdictions that may expect an embossed seal, it is appropriate to use both the required stamp and the optional embosser.

Question 10: A signer appears before a Pennsylvania notary with a document written entirely in Italian. The notary does not speak or read Italian, but the signer seems to understand the document and has valid, unexpired identification. What must the notary do to legally perform the notarization?

Require the signer to provide a complete, certified English translation.
Proceed with the notarization, as the notary's role is to verify the signer's identity and signature, not the document's content. (Correct answer)
Insist that an independent, professional interpreter be present to translate the notarial ceremony.
Refuse the notarization as they cannot understand the document's content.

Correct answer: Proceed with the notarization, as the notary's role is to verify the signer's identity and signature, not the document's content.

Pennsylvania law does not require a notary to understand the language of the document being notarized. The notary's primary duties are to properly identify the signer, ensure they are signing willingly, and complete the notarial certificate. The certificate itself must be in English. The notary can proceed as long as they can communicate directly with the signer to perform the key elements of the notarial act, such as identifying them and confirming their intent.

Question 11: Due to a widespread public emergency, the Recorder of Deeds office in a notary's county is closed for three weeks, preventing the notary from recording their bond and oath within the 45-day deadline. What is the consequence for the notary's commission?

The commission is automatically null and void and the notary must reapply.
The notary must travel to an adjacent county to record the documents.
The deadline is extended by law to the next business day the office reopens. (Correct answer)
The notary must petition the Department of State for a special extension.

Correct answer: The deadline is extended by law to the next business day the office reopens.

If a government office, like the Recorder of Deeds, is closed due to an official order, any legal deadlines falling within that closure period are extended by operation of law to the next business day that the office is open to the public.

Question 12: If a principal directs another individual to sign on their behalf due to a physical disability, what is the notary's primary responsibility in the notarial certificate?

To state in the certificate that the signature was made by another at the principal's direction. (Correct answer)
To refuse the notarization as it constitutes a prohibited act.
To have the person signing take an oath regarding their authority.
To obtain identification from both the principal and the person signing.

Correct answer: To state in the certificate that the signature was made by another at the principal's direction.

When a signature is made by another person on behalf of the principal, the notary must state in the certificate that the signature was affixed in the principal's presence and at their direction.

Question 13: Under RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), what is the required amount for a surety bond from an insurance company licensed in Pennsylvania?

$20,000
$10,000 (Correct answer)
$15,000
$5,000

Correct answer: $10,000

Under Pennsylvania's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), all Notaries Public are legally required to obtain a surety bond. This bond, mandated at $10,000, serves as a financial safeguard to protect the public from any potential damages or losses caused by the notary's misconduct or negligence during their official duties.

Question 14: When notarizing for a person with a known developmental disability, which action represents a failure of the notary's duty?

Refusing the notarization after being unable to determine if the signer understands the document's implications.
Asking simple, non-leading questions to assess the signer's awareness of the transaction.
Allowing a trusted caregiver to be present to comfort the signer, while ensuring no undue influence is exerted.
Completing the notarization based solely on the presentation of a valid ID without assessing the signer's comprehension. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Completing the notarization based solely on the presentation of a valid ID without assessing the signer's comprehension.

A notary's responsibility extends beyond verifying identity. They must also be confident that the signer is competent, aware, and acting willingly. Relying only on a valid ID and ignoring potential signs of confusion or lack of understanding, especially with a known disability, is a serious breach of notarial duty.

Question 15: If a non-attorney notary advertises their services in a Spanish-language newspaper using the term "notario publico" and fails to include the required disclaimer, what is the MAXIMUM administrative penalty the Department of State can impose for this specific violation?

$500
$250
$5,000
$1,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $1,000

Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 323(a.1), the Department of State may impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 for each act or omission that violates the notary law. Using the prohibited term "notario publico" without the proper disclaimer is a violation of the prohibited acts section (57 Pa.C.S. § 325) and is subject to this penalty.

Question 16: Which of the following scenarios constitutes a prohibited act for a Pennsylvania notary?

Backdating a notarial certificate to the previous day because the signer was physically present and signed the document then, but the notary forgot to complete the journal entry and stamping. (Correct answer)
Notarizing a document for a coworker when the document is for the coworker's personal use and unrelated to their employment.
Refusing to notarize a document for an individual who appears to be under duress, even though they have presented valid identification.
Charging a fee to travel to a client's location, in addition to the statutory fee for the notarial act, after the client agreed to the travel fee in advance.

Correct answer: Backdating a notarial certificate to the previous day because the signer was physically present and signed the document then, but the notary forgot to complete the journal entry and stamping.

Altering, post-dating, or backdating a notarial act is explicitly prohibited and is a serious offense. The date on the notarial certificate must be the date the notary actually performed the act. The other scenarios are permissible: notarizing for a coworker on a personal matter is not a conflict of interest, charging an agreed-upon travel fee is allowed, and refusing service due to suspected duress is a notary's right and responsibility.

Question 17: Within how many days of appointment must a notary take the oath of office and record their bond and commission?

30 days
45 days (Correct answer)
90 days
10 days

Correct answer: 45 days

A newly appointed notary has 45 days from the date of their appointment to appear before the recorder of deeds, take their oath, and record their bond, oath, and commission.

Question 18: Upon the expiration, resignation, or revocation of a Pennsylvania notary public's commission, what is the proper procedure for the disposition of their official journal and other notarial records?

The notary must transfer the journal and records to another active notary public.
The notary may keep the journal and records indefinitely for personal reference.
The notary must deliver the journal and records to the Department of State within 30 days. (Correct answer)
The notary must destroy all records within 30 days.

Correct answer: The notary must deliver the journal and records to the Department of State within 30 days.

Pennsylvania law requires a notary public whose commission expires, is resigned, or revoked to deliver their official journal and all other notarial records to the Department of State within 30 days. This ensures continuity of records and proper archiving.

Question 19: A notary performs a verification on oath or affirmation for a document with three signatories. According to the official Pennsylvania fee schedule, what is the maximum fee the notary can charge for this single notarial act?

$5.00 (Correct answer)
$20.00 (as it involves multiple people)
$9.00 ($5.00 for the first signature, $2.00 for each additional)
$15.00 ($5.00 per signature)

Correct answer: $5.00

The Pennsylvania Notary Public fee schedule explicitly states that the fee for 'Taking verification on oath or affirmation' is $5.00, regardless of the number of signatures on the document. This is different from an acknowledgment, which has a separate fee for additional names.

Question 20: What is the term of a notary public commission in Pennsylvania?

4 years (Correct answer)
10 years
2 years
5 years

Correct answer: 4 years

Pennsylvania notary commissions last four years.

Question 21: A signer who is personally known to the notary has no ID with them. Can the notary proceed?

Yes, personal knowledge is satisfactory evidence on its own (Correct answer)
No, a photo ID is always mandatory
Only for oaths, not acknowledgments
Only with two credible witnesses

Correct answer: Yes, personal knowledge is satisfactory evidence on its own

Personal knowledge is an independent method of satisfactory identification under Pennsylvania law.

Question 22: When a person with a physical disability signs a document by making a mark (e.g., an 'X'), which of the following is a key procedural requirement for the Pennsylvania notary?

The document is not valid unless three witnesses are present for a signature by mark.
The notary should print the signer's name and the words 'his mark' or 'her mark' near the signature line. (Correct answer)
A signature by mark is only permissible for acknowledgments, not for verifications on oath.
The notary must physically guide the signer's hand to make the mark.

Correct answer: The notary should print the signer's name and the words 'his mark' or 'her mark' near the signature line.

When a signer uses a mark, Pennsylvania best practices recommend that the notary print or type the customer's name and the words 'his mark' or 'her mark' near the signature line. Two witnesses are normally required, and the notary may act as one. The notary must never physically guide the signer's hand.

Question 23: What identification information should a Pennsylvania notary record in the journal for a notarial act?

Only the signer's phone number
The signer's full Social Security number
Only the fee charged
How the signer was identified, such as the type of ID or credible witness used (Correct answer)

Correct answer: How the signer was identified, such as the type of ID or credible witness used

The journal entry must show the method of identification, including the ID type or credible witness details.

Question 24: When charging a client for both a notarial act and a separate clerical fee for printing documents, what is the correct procedure for documentation in the notary journal?

Record the notarial fee and the clerical fee in separately itemized entries. (Correct answer)
Combine both fees into a single entry under the 'Fee' column.
Record the total amount and make a private note about the breakdown.
Only record the state-mandated notarial fee.

Correct answer: Record the notarial fee and the clerical fee in separately itemized entries.

The Pennsylvania Department of State requires that if clerical or administrative fees are charged, they must be separately itemized in the notary journal. This creates a clear record distinguishing the state-regulated notarial fee from other reasonable charges.

Question 25: A Pennsylvania notary is asked to administer an oath for an affidavit. The signer states they do not believe in God. What should the notary do?

Administer an affirmation instead of an oath (Correct answer)
Refuse to notarize the affidavit
Proceed with the oath and note the signer's objection in the journal
Require the signer to find a notary of the same religious belief

Correct answer: Administer an affirmation instead of an oath

When a signer objects to an oath on religious or conscientious grounds, the notary must offer an affirmation, which carries the same legal effect as an oath.

Question 26: A Pennsylvania notary is performing a RON. The notary must retain the audio-visual recording of the notarial act for a minimum of:

The duration of the notary's commission.
10 years. (Correct answer)
5 years.
7 years.

Correct answer: 10 years.

Pennsylvania's law governing Remote Online Notarization explicitly requires that the notary public, or a person acting on their behalf, create and retain an audio-visual recording of the performance of the notarial act for at least ten years after the recording is made.

Question 27: A signer is physically unable to write their full name but can make a mark. Two witnesses are present. What is the correct procedure for a Pennsylvania notary to follow for a signature by mark on a standard legal document?

The signer makes their mark, one witness prints the signer's name near the mark and signs as a witness, and the other witness also signs. (Correct answer)
The notary must refuse the notarization as a full signature is required on all documents.
The signer makes their mark, and the notary prints the signer's name with the notation 'his/her mark' nearby. The witnesses are not required to sign.
The notary must make the mark for the signer and then have the two witnesses sign the document.

Correct answer: The signer makes their mark, one witness prints the signer's name near the mark and signs as a witness, and the other witness also signs.

Under Pennsylvania's Statutory Construction Act, a signature includes a mark when the individual cannot write, but their name must be written near it and witnessed by another person who writes their own name. While one witness is the minimum statutory requirement for the mark to be considered a signature, having two witnesses present (and signing) is a common and recommended best practice, especially for important documents.

Question 28: A notary's surety company makes a payment to a claimant due to the notary's misconduct. Under Pennsylvania law, what is the surety's specific obligation to the Department of State following this payment?

The surety must notify the Department within 60 days of the payment.
The surety must request the notary's commission be immediately revoked.
The surety is required to automatically double the bond amount.
The surety must notify the Department not later than 30 days after making the payment. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The surety must notify the Department not later than 30 days after making the payment.

Pennsylvania law (57 Pa.C.S. § 321(e)(6)) explicitly requires the surety or issuing entity to notify the Department of State not later than 30 days after making a payment to a claimant under the notary's bond. This ensures the Department is aware of misconduct that resulted in a financial loss and can take appropriate disciplinary action.

Question 29: A notary advertises their services on a small, business card-sized magnet. Due to the limited space, they omit the mandatory statement, 'I am not an attorney licensed to practice law...' They believe this is acceptable because the magnet is too small. Which of the following is true?

The notary can use the abbreviated disclaimer 'Not an attorney' to save space.
The notary is exempt from the requirement due to the small size of the advertising medium.
The notary must prominently display the required statement at the place of business where the notarial act is performed. (Correct answer)
The notary must include the statement, regardless of the size of the advertisement.

Correct answer: The notary must prominently display the required statement at the place of business where the notarial act is performed.

RULONA provides an exception for advertisements where the full statement cannot be included due to size. In such cases, the law requires that the statement must be 'displayed prominently or provided at the place of performance of the notary act before the act is performed.' Simply omitting it is a violation.

Question 30: A notary reads a document aloud to a blind signer, who then uses a signature guide to sign. Beyond the statutorily required elements, what is the most prudent information for the notary to record in their journal?

A statement that the document was read aloud to the signer at their request and a guide was used. (Correct answer)
The names of any family members who accompanied the signer to the appointment.
The amount of time it took to complete the entire notarial act.
The name of the manufacturer of the signature guide.

Correct answer: A statement that the document was read aloud to the signer at their request and a guide was used.

While not explicitly mandated by statute, documenting the specific accommodations made (reading the document, use of a guide) provides a detailed record of the notary's due diligence. This entry serves as powerful evidence that the notary took appropriate steps to ensure the signer was fully aware of the document's contents, which protects the signer, the public, and the notary.

Question 31: What is the legally mandated shape for a Pennsylvania notary's official stamping device?

The shape is not specified by law.
Circular
Oval
Rectangular (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rectangular

The official stamping device must be a rubber stamp that produces a clear, legible, and photographically reproducible impression in a rectangular format. Embossers are not permitted as the official stamp.

Question 32: A notary uses an embossing seal, in addition to their official rubber stamp, on a document. To ensure the embossed impression is photographically reproducible, they use an "impression inker." The inker smudges, obscuring part of the notary's name within the embossed image. What should the notary do?

Cross out the smudged impression and initial the correction.
Proceed with the notarization, as the official rubber stamp is the only legally required element.
Refuse to complete the notarization and require the client to use a new, clean document.
Make another clear impression with the embosser and inker elsewhere on the document near the original. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Make another clear impression with the embosser and inker elsewhere on the document near the original.

While the embosser is optional, if a notary chooses to use one and the impression is not legible (especially after attempting to make it reproducible), the best practice is to make another, clear impression in a different place on the document, without overlapping other text or seals.

Question 33: Who is responsible for the security of the stamping device in Pennsylvania?

Notary (Correct answer)
County Recorder of Deeds
Pennsylvania Department of State
Local Law Enforcement

Correct answer: Notary

The notary public themselves is solely responsible for the security and proper use of their stamping device in Pennsylvania. They must take all reasonable steps to prevent its loss, theft, or unauthorized use. This responsibility underscores the importance of the stamping device as an official tool and the notary's accountability for its integrity.

Question 34: When performing a remote online notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania, what is required regarding the notarial certificate?

The certificate must state the name of the communication technology provider used.
The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed by means of communication technology. (Correct answer)
The certificate must be mailed to the signer within 24 hours.
The certificate must be executed on paper and attached to a printout of the electronic record.

Correct answer: The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed by means of communication technology.

Pennsylvania law requires that if a notarial act is performed for a remotely located individual using communication technology, the certificate of notarial act must indicate this fact. This ensures transparency and provides a clear record that the personal appearance requirement was met through approved technological means, not physical presence.

Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam

The Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam tests knowledge of notarial acts, Pennsylvania notary law, identification requirements, journal keeping, and ethical obligations required for commissioning.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

pa.gov — Eligibility, fees, registration deadline, retake policy, renewal · verified Oct 2026
pearsonvue.com — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026